"Africa is ready, but not united": why the continent's countries have not become a unified force in 63 years
The Organization of African Unity was founded 63 years ago. Today, the African Union is attempting to respond to the challenges of the 21st century: economic integration, climate change, and digital sovereignty. But why, despite all its resources and ambitions, has Africa still not become a unified force?GlobUs experts discussed the main obstacles on Global Insights.
Geostrategist Professor Paul Bekima spoke of a paradox: there is enormous potential, but no structure.
"Africa is ready, but not united. We have resources, a young population, and a growing engineering base. But the main problem is not culture, but institutions," he noted.
Professor Najet Zammouri (Tunisia) added: political independence has not translated into real sovereignty.
"Intra-African trade remains below potential." "Borders are difficult to overcome, infrastructure is lacking, economies export raw materials and import finished goods," she emphasized.
However, Pan-Africanist Goodnews Cadogan (South Africa) recalled that there is a roadmap—Agenda 2063 (the "Africa We Want" development strategy).
"The question is not where to go, but how to get there. Leaders should serve not their own popularity, but the interests of the continent," he stated.
But even the best strategy will collapse if people do not feel safe. Security expert Buduka Addey (Nigeria) urged a broader perspective.
"Real security begins with social security. If a young person is jobless and without prospects, they become vulnerable to recruitment into armed groups," she explained.
Dr. Ngaka Lagoke reiterated that Agenda 2063 was the first to openly declare Pan-Africanism, but an endogenous value system is needed. For example, the Ubuntu philosophy—"I am because we are" (a collective humanism of African origin).
"Pan-Africanism must come not only from above, but also from below. The civil movements in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Senegal are an awakening," he said.
Experts agreed: Africa needs a shift from declarations to implementation, from fragmentation to coordination, from dependence to sovereignty. There is time, but it is running out.
Watch the broadcast recording: https://youtu.be/uXw7iRK7Ypc?si=tLr-69S4gax8Xk3J